The Madagascar vessel, MV Chamda III, which was rescued by Kenyan authorities on August 5, has left the country.
The vessel's generator failed, leaving its crew and passengers stranded for four days.
MV Chamda III, MMSI No. 647861302, set sail from Tanga, Tanzania, on July 30 and was bound for Madagascar when it encountered mechanical issues.
The ship, carrying anointing oil cargo, lost electrical power just a day after leaving Tanga, causing it to drift for four days before entering Kenyan waters.
On August 3, the Kenya Maritime Authority regional maritime rescue coordination centre received a distress call from the vessel.
Kenya Coast Guard Services and the Kenya Navy responded promptly, rescuing and towing the vessel to Mombasa’s Mbaraki Wharf.
Upon arrival, engineers established that the vessel’s generator broke down, causing loss of electrical power.
Norske Shipping Agency Kenya managing director Charles Egohe said the generator was beyond repair and had to be replaced.
"It took time to source a compatible generator for the vessel," he told the Star.
After nearly two weeks of repairs, the ship departed Kenya on August 18.
The vessel had 17 crew members and two passengers on board.
KMA director general Martin Dzombo said after receiving the distress call, they coordinated the search and rescue mission.
"KMA coordinated the search and rescue operation in collaboration with the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Navy and Kenya Ports Authority," he said.
The vessel was sighted in Malindi on August 4 and KCGS deployed MV Doria to tow it to safety.
KCGS praised the swift coordination which ensured safety of the crew and vessel.
MV Chamda III was towed to Mbaraki Wharf in Likoni, Mombasa, arriving at around 2:30 am on August 5.
All crew members and the two passengers were reported safe.
After the vessel berthed at Mbaraki Wharf, a multi-agency team comprising KCGS, Kenya Ports Authority, Port Health Officers, Immigration Department, Kenya Revenue Authority and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations conducted an inspection.
This routine procedure followed the maritime search and rescue incident to ensure the safety and well-being of all crew and passengers, as well as to address any medical needs and coordinate their safe repatriation.
